Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

After Hours #3

Laclaire Kiss

Rate this book
Twelve years ago, I hit the ground … hard. Now I carry around a broken body and a bruised heart. My body has let me down. Life has let me down. I want out, but not even death wants me.

When Alice Dupuis walks into my life from the past, she finds me a wealthy, bitter, angry man. She tells me I’m afraid of living. I’m determined to prove her wrong.

I promise her three days. Three days in which I’ll do things I haven’t done in years. After that, I’ll go back to staring out the window all day, thinking about death.

But life has one sick sense of humor.

Warning: LaClaire Kiss is a heart-wrenching standalone novel. To get to know the LaClaire brothers better, it is recommended to read books 1 and 2 first.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 11, 2017

About the author

Dori Lavelle

46 books574 followers
Dori Lavelle is a mother, wife, and sucker for happy ever afters and mint chocolate. Hand her a great romance novel and a mug of hot chocolate and she'd be one happy woman.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
58 (54%)
4 stars
25 (23%)
3 stars
14 (13%)
2 stars
6 (5%)
1 star
4 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for  ✰  Charlie  ✰ Chisholm.
1,985 reviews22 followers
September 4, 2017
Laclaire Kiss is the three book in the after hours series and this is Lance’s book.

I would recommend reading the first two books although each book can be read as a standalone. You get to know some of the other characters.

I knew Lance’s story was not going to be an easy one and knew I would not get through it without tears. I will do this review spoiler free I do not want to give anything away.

Alice comes back into Lance’s life after years she finds him a bitter and angry man. I really like Alice such a great character.
If you have read previous books, you will already know a little about Lance he is in a wheel chair and hates the world and his life he just wants to die. That is until Alice walks into his life at first he pushes her away. Then he promises her 3 days he says he will do things he has not done in years.
However, what he does not expect is to have feelings for her. I really enjoyed this story and I loved Lance.
It is a beautiful, heartbreaking story.
As normal Dori writing is flawless, you start and just have to keep reading until you are at the end of the book.
Profile Image for Lea ★.
520 reviews149 followers
September 11, 2017
ARC kindly provided by author.

Laclaire Kiss the book 3 in the After Hours series and you can read it as a standalone, but I highly recommend to read the first two books prior to reading this.
I made a mistake of reading this one first and since I wasn't familiar with the background of other characters from previous books I had some troubles with conecting the dots. Nothing major, but I will definitely read the books now.
I am familiar with Dori Lavelle's work and this one is maybe one of her best works to this day.
I don't want to reveal too much but I will say that this book was a definite hit for me.
I enjoyed it from begining to the very end. It was an emotional rollercoaster, and that is exactly what I like the most in my reads.
Lance and Alice's story is heart breaking and at times hard to process, but in the end I was more than satisfied.
Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Michelle Krystel .
2,013 reviews48 followers
September 8, 2017
Arc provided by author for honest review. My jaw and mouth are still hanging open. I had feeling lance's book was going to to be heart breaking. I was definitely not ready or prepared for the extent of that break. Wow and omg is I can say right now cause I don't want to give to much away. Dori you killed me with this one.
Profile Image for Wendy.
660 reviews8 followers
September 6, 2017
I knew LaClaire Kiss by Dori Lavelle was going to be a heart - wrenching story and I'm glad that Dori didn't disappoint.
If you've read the previous books, you will be familiar with Lance LaClair's history. If not, here it is... Lance was involved in an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He is bitter, angry and afraid of trying anything that may and most likely won't work. He has reached his limit on life and tries to end it.
Alice is the sister of the woman that forever changed Lance's life and she unknowingly challenges Lance to prove to her that he knows how to live.
I love how you get to see how the two main characters fell in love. It didn't seem rushed or forced and quite frankly, It was beautiful. However, if you didn't expect a tear somewhere along this plot, you're nuts! So, you've been warned, you WILL shed at least one tear.
1,323 reviews
September 10, 2017
LaClaire Kiss is the 3rd of the After Hours Novels by Dori Lavelle. LaClaire Touch and LaClaire Nights are the first two. I love them both but I am certain that LaClaire Kiss has touched me the most.
Oh my gosh! I am still in a little bit of shock after reading and truly loving LaClaire Kiss. Lance LaClaire, twin brother of Bryant, has had a tough life since he was pushed off a wall and ended up a paraplegic. There is a sad story behind his fall that involves Bryant. He and Bryant fell in love with the same woman but it ended horribly for both. Lance has become a bitter, angry and solitary man who now lives his pathetic life in a wheelchair. Hating to live his life this way, he tries to commit suicide and drinks too much. The combination of the depression, physical pain and all-consuming anger leads to his present residence in the Crystal Lake Residential Rehab Facility. He has a medical doctor, Dr. Drew, and physical therapy that he hates intensely. It reminds him of what he was able to do and his emotional being simply shuts down at the prospect of trying to do those activities again. He used to be a renowned painter whose works were called masterpieces and hung in art galleries around the world. Before his accident, "dancing with water" used to be his passion. He enjoyed all sorts of water sports...anything to feel the water around him. Just when his depression couldn't get much worse, Alice Dupuis comes to see him at Crystal Lake. She is the sister of the woman both he and his brother, Bryant, loved. Alice has brought a DVD that she had promised her sister (Audrey) that she would deliver to Lance. What she tells him on that DVD shifts a little part of his heart. Since she first walked through his door at the rehab center, Lance realized just how beautiful Alice is and how unlike Audrey. Alice was blessed with a good heart, the ability to care for others and the joy of happiness on her face. Lance treats her to some of the finer things in Cabo and starts to enjoy going out in public with her. The story follows this trajectory with both of them bringing more true feelings to and for the other. Alice has helped to "cure" him as much as possible and, after a lot of work and effort on his part, he has become a new man. They both are able to live life with a brand new outlook, finding comfort together. Marriage, pregnancy...can it get much better? Oh, no!! Really?? What a change of course and Dori does it so beautifully. Some things just weren't entirely as they seemed! This is where the reader will feel the deep love. Dori Lavelle has written a gift of a book and I will be thinking about it for a long time to come.
Profile Image for Hanan .
1,744 reviews17 followers
September 10, 2017
When a read the first book in the Series LaClaire Nights,which I rated five stars,I've been waiting to read Lance's story. He is introduced first in LaClaire Nights then in LaClaire Touch. Each book is a standalone but I highly suggest reading the first two books first in order to get the full experience of LaClaire Kiss. In the first two books we got the full effects of all the brothers anguish,sadness and guilt over what happen to Lance.
LaClaire Kiss now delves into Lance's hopelessness,despair and the emptiness he experiences on a daily basis. He feels less than a man since his accident. He sees a black bleak future for himself.
He lives as a recluse in Mexico. He barely takes phonecalls from his brothers.
His daily regime now includes losing himself in liquer and pills. There is always a bottle in his hands or nearby. His sadness and grief has consumed every cell in his body.
When a choice he makes lands him in the hospital has someone from his past comes barreling into his life.
When Alice Dupuis learns that Lance is in the hospital she needs to deliver a message that she's been dreading to do for the past two years. She no longer can put it off,so she flies from Paris to Mexico to see Lance. When she's allowed to sees him in the hospital he's a shell of the man she saw twelve years prior. She heartbroken.
Delivering the message she's been dreading to do sets things in motion for both of them.
Neither one ever imagined the ripple effect that message would lead to.
Secrets will be revealed and choices will be questioned.
"Somtimes,one simple decision can change the entire course of a person's life." (Lance)
I don't want to give any spoilers away so I'll leave it at that.
LaClaire Kiss is beautifully written.
It's an emotional read. It's heartbreaking and heartwarming. It's filled with bleakness yet there's a ray of sunshine trying to break through. It's very sad but happiness might be found in the most unlikely of people.
The ending is phenomenal!
I was tore with how it went but after reflecting on it,it couldn't be anything else.
Ms. Lavelle is one of my favorite authors.
Her writing and plots are exceptional!
With her always expect a twist and/or turn that absolutely is always mind blowing!
If you've read the previous two books than it goes without saying that LaClaire Kiss is a must read!
If your a fan of Ms. Lavelle this is a must read.
If you love a beautiful bittersweet love story this is a must read!
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy
Profile Image for Kathy Osborn.
225 reviews34 followers
September 10, 2017
I can't express the feelings I when through reading LaClaire Kiss. It is heart wrenching to see a person struggle after a tragedy, but between the pain and addiction there is always hope.

Lance was in love once, but a tragedy hit his life. Now in a wheelchair and not wanting to live as life let him down. Alice, who is the sister of the person Lance fell in love with comes to see him to deliver a message. However, neither one of them expect to feel things during the very first meeting. Things are said, anger, hurt and grieving are all felt, but one thing happens that can change Lance's and Alice's life.

Love blooms, but can Lance get pass the feeling of not being whole or does he push Alice away for one last time.

I felt all of the raw emotions from both of these characters as I was reading this book. Life is short so each moment is important and each risk has its rewards. Make sure a tissue box is near by as you will need it.....

Dori's books always leave me breathless, but this one struck me as being one of her best contemporary romances yet. I highly recommend this one, but to get the whole picture you may want to read the first two books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Novel: Can be read as a standalone and the third book in the An After Hours Novel series.
Characters: Easy to fall in love with the characters and engages the readers emotions.
Writing: Very smooth, developed, even paced and keeps you page turning.
Storyline: Contemporary romance, with a twist that will leave you breathless.
Heat: Ablaze

5 Koala Paws


















September 11, 2017
Those twelve long years Lance has been bound to a wheelchair have been a torment. Watching his brothers able to move about and enjoy life only brought more pain. He would never forget Audrey's treachery so how could he possibly meet with her sister at this time?

As Alice brings a final message from Audrey (now dead two years), she reluctantly meddles in Lance's life. Maybe, if you believe in Fate, this is the way their lives are maneuvered to finally spend time together and heal each other.

I absolutely adored this book but I must warn you, be ready to cry, laugh, and be spiritually cleansed. This is a standalone, but if you have been reading this series, it will have a massive impact. Overcoming a disability takes courage. If that disability comes after an accident, as in Lance's case, it takes more than courage to overcome the psychological impact of knowing how life used to be and recognizing his current limitations. All human beings need love. In Lance's case, because of his inability to perform as a lover, he has decided to lead a solitary life. Until Alice comes along. Do not miss his journey toward developing a loving relationship and pushing himself to heal both body and soul.

I definitely recommend this series to mature 18+ readers. Do not miss this one!

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I thank the author for sharing a copy with me.
Profile Image for Pamela Greving.
125 reviews
September 12, 2017
As it states in the blurb section, even though the After Hours novels can be read as standalones, they are much better if read in order. You get a better understanding of each of the brothers that way.

Lance LaClaire has been paralyzed since a fight with his twin brother Bryant. Since his injury, Lance has spiraled out of control. He has addiction problems, and after trying to commit suicide, he enters a rehab facility in Mexico.

Alice Dupuis' sister Audrey has a message she needs Alice to deliver. The delivery of this message will bring back feelings Alice has buried for twelve years. Will Lance even be willing to see Alice after what Audrey did?

Oh my! Dori Lavelle has done it to me once again. Left me picking up my jaw in the last few pages! The After Hours series is full of it's own drama, but this one just took the cake. Lance has had it rough to say the least and I could never imagine the mental and emotional pain he deals with all of the time. However, he has always been rude and nasty to his family and I never liked him for that. I loved Alice in this story. She is such a kind and sweet woman. However, that ending! No spoilers here, but I promise you, you won't see it coming!

5 stars for LaClaire Kiss!
Profile Image for Jo Overfield.
366 reviews4 followers
September 8, 2017
Truly a fantastic read, and quite a tearjerker.

Lance thought his life was over, and he lead a very lonely, and angry life. After finding himself stowed away keeping himself hid from everyone after trying to solve his problems on his own, he gets a visitor from the past.

Alice was determined to reach Lance, and prove to him there was more to life, more to live for. After several attempts at trying to reject his own desires Lance gives in finding that he had emotions locked deep inside he didn't know he could feel again.

This romantic, sweet, beautiful, love story that stemmed from tragedy pulled at my heartstrings. I was captured by the progression of their journey.

The ending literally took my breath away. I shed tears. I will not say why, but this book is one not to be missed in the LaClaire series. I can't wait to see what's next for this author, and what she has in store for us.

I voluntarily read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.



Profile Image for Jolene Huber.
870 reviews11 followers
September 4, 2018
Learning To Live Again

This is the third book in the series. This series you could read as standalones and not really miss anything. But I prefer to read them in order. This book is about Lance. He is a twin and one of the oldest kids in the family. At a young age he was in a drunken fight with his brother and fell seven stores and lost the use if his legs. He had all but given up on living when Alice walked into his life. She is the sister of the lady who is the reason he is in the chair... I enjoyed this book
Profile Image for Karin Gesell.
1,644 reviews35 followers
September 9, 2017
I'm just saying, you better get some tissues and have them handy. This one is an emotional roller coaster. You feel the pain & anger and the sweet and happy. Your emotions are back and forth, and you just keep hoping that Lance will finally get out of his angry depressed state. And Alice is just perfect for that. You'll love the ride they take you on, just be prepared. I did say emotional roller coaster after all
Profile Image for Stephanie.
697 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2018
What in the....

This ticks me off soooooo bad. What in the world? This was supposed to be a freaking romance novel. The ending of this book is basically what not to do for any romance novel/book/short story/whatever. I am so mad. There should have been a disclaimer or something because this was wrong. Also, what is the deal with these brothers and prostitutes? Gross. Horrible series.
September 26, 2017
Unbelievable!!! I want more!

I can't stress enough that everyone needs to read this 3 book series. Each has its own and adds to the next however 3 threw me around the corner and down the street... That about cover it? This author was spot on with this series and if I had her address I would send her flowers to say thank you for some reason. A definite must read.
90 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2017
Wonderful

This was so far my favorite book of the three. I almost cried at the end, it was sad. But the fact that Lance through Alice help learned to live and love again. I know that Lance was hurting and I know his brother's met well. But they got on my nerves in the first two books. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Angi Everett.
271 reviews
April 16, 2024
Knowing Lance has a second book I read the first few chapters and then skimmed to the end. VThe timeline of Lance sitting with his brothers and discussing things are off. Heck even the beginning is off as well. And don't even get me started on the ridiculous ending. This was my least favourite book.
Profile Image for Jennifer Halloway ong.
639 reviews7 followers
September 13, 2017
Lance ❤️

What a tragic and beautiful love story , Alice was just what Lance needed to learn to live and love again . From eating in the dark to dancing in the rain I loved it all . Great Series I can't wait to read more of the La Claire's !!
Profile Image for Machell.
162 reviews5 followers
September 14, 2017
Wow - that sums this book up! Not what I was expecting...I've read all three books in this series and liked them all, but this was the best of the bunch so far. Looking forward to the next in the series!
Profile Image for Yvonne.
93 reviews
March 4, 2018
The hard road that lance took before he met Alice

Alice was a wonderful soul she help lance to live and love again and he is really happy about the future with his daughter and hopefully jia
Profile Image for Melissa Edwards.
17 reviews
August 22, 2018
Depressing

I really enjoyed the story of Lance fighting his way back to living and loving, but to have it ripped away at the end was not expected. He should have had his happy ending. I hope the last 2 books in the series are not as sad.
5 reviews
September 4, 2019
Unbelievably captivating!!!

This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, but I loved it! It held my interest throughout the entire book, and made me cry at the end. This was my favorite so far. I can't wait to read the last one now!
Profile Image for Pam.
48 reviews
December 20, 2017
Kiss

An amazing book I could ever had read the story telling was brilliant I'm still in shock the way it ended brilliant
25 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2018
Great book

I really loved this book but the ending just ruined it for me shouldn’t of ended like that 😩!!!! !
191 reviews
March 18, 2022
Wow wow wow!

This was a very intense book. Drama, heartache and romance. I can't wait to start the next book and see where this storyline goes.
Profile Image for For the love  Of romance .
123 reviews30 followers
Read
September 11, 2017
I have read the other books in the series so I was looking forward to reading Lance's story.
Lance has been wheelchair bound for 12 years since he had an accident and he is very reclusive, bitter and sometimes downright mean to everyone. This book was a true statement of what it means to overcome a disability. From wanting to take his life to learning to live again, this book was such an emotional journey.
I loved this story but let me tell you , that ending broke me! I was not expecting this book to end that way! I will not give anything away, but I have to say I shed a few tears.
I highly recommend this emotional read, the writing is very good and the characters are amazing.
I received an arc and volunteered a review.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.